Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) describes the collection of pluripotent haematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood, and subsequent infusion (transplantation) into recipients following chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or immunosuppressive therapy. Haematopoietic stem cells are capable of both long-term self-renewal and also differentiation into all the cellular components of the haematopoietic and immune systems. HSCT is now a major treatment modality for patients with haematological malignancies, congenital or acquired bone marrow failure syndromes, haemoglobinopathies, inborn errors of metabolism and various immune deficiencies.